Raise Your Awareness of Distracted Driving

Apr 8, 2015 | Auto Accidents

Many drivers are confident that they are experienced enough on the road that they can handle driving while also focusing on another task. However, the reality is that no person is safe when they are engaged in distracted driving.

Every day in the U.S., nine people die and 1,060 people are injured because of distracted driving – and that only counts cases where police investigators can draw a direct link between the crash and a distracted driver, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drive Smart Virginia reports that, in our state, eight out of 10 car accidents involve a distracted driver.

With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we should all make a special commitment to becoming better educated and safer drivers.

To that end, later this month, Geoff McDonald & Associates, P.C., will present the results of a survey we conducted of high school students in Richmond and surrounding areas as part of our Drive Alive Richmond campaign. We hope the results of this survey will help us to better understand young people’s attitudes towards distracted driving and allow us to more effectively address this issue.

The Three Types of Distracted Driving

You may be allowing one or more dangerous distractions to get in your way while you are driving – and not even realize it. This is why it is important to understand the three main ways you can become distracted while driving. If you recognize that you are frequently engaging in this behavior, you need to change your ways.

As the government-run website, Distraction.gov, explains, drivers can become distracted:

  • Visually – This occurs when your eyes are not on the road where they belong. This might happen, for example, while you are checking your makeup in the mirror or glancing down at a phone to dial a number.
  • Manually – This happens when your hands are no longer on the wheel. For example, you may be eating while driving, changing a radio station or trying to get a pet riding with you to sit down.
  • Cognitively – This occurs when you are not paying attention to driving because, for instance, you are carrying on a conversation on a phone or talking with a passenger in the backseat. Your mind is not on the road.

In a recent CDC survey, 69 percent of American drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 reported having used their cell phones while driving in the past month.

Furthermore, 80 percent of those surveyed said they believed that talking on a hands-free cell phone is safer than talking on a regular cell phone. However, in reality, your mental capacities are drawn away from driving even on a hands-free set. You can easily become just as distracted.

Texting is also a particularly dangerous activity while driving because it combines all three types of distraction: Your eyes are on the screen, your fingers are on the keys and your mind is on composing a message. When one considers the fatality rates of distracted driving, it should be clear that that message can wait.

What to Do if You Are Injured by a Distracted Driver in Virginia

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A distracted driver can be considered negligent in the state of Virginia.

If you are considering filing a claim, you will need to talk to an experienced injury attorney who can help you to evaluate your options and who will be committed to seeking the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact Geoff McDonald & Associates, P.C. 

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    Who May Be Liable for Truck Accident Damages?

    Determining liability for truck accidents in Virginia can be challenging. Unlike “regular” car crashes, accidents with commercial trucks often involve multiple parties with complex corporate structures and insurance policies. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we can...

    What Kind of Damages Can I Pursue from a Truck Accident?

    A truck accident can disrupt your life by causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and property damage. You may be eligible to pursue financial compensation, also known as damages, although this may only provide a modicum of relief. Knowing the specific...

    How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim?

    Truck accident survivors may on occasion settle their claims without the need for litigation. Unfortunately, truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance adjusters aren’t always so cooperative. To seek compensation in such cases, you must file a civil lawsuit. If...

    What Should I Do Immediately After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    The steps you should take immediately after a Virginia truck accident mirror those that you would take if you were in a standard car accident. But you should follow the steps carefully, as failure to do so could impact your ability to seek compensation for your...

    What You Should Ask for After an Accident with a Truck

    Navigating truck accidents is complicated because so many different parties could be involved in the accident, including: Truck driver Employer Mechanic Parts manufacturer Shipper   In some cases, you’ll be making a claim with the truck driver’s employer. If the...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald